Smiling Tree Toys' customized lacing and tracing set is actually made up of several toys for extended fun and learning. Each customized set includes a round lacing base piece that also serves as a clockface for helping kids tell time as well as six shapes, each with two holes for lacing. Each shape is inscribed with the shape's name, enforcing reading or pre-reading skills. And the whole set is eco-friendly to boot: the wooden pieces all come from sustainably sourced American hardwood and are coated with an organic camelina and beeswax finish, and the lacing string that comes with the set is a shoelace made with 100% recycled soda pop bottles and non-toxic dyes.

Teaching early sewing skills with this Montessori-inspired wooden button lacing toy is a fun way for little ones to get in on the crafting fun, just like Mom or Dad. Made from wood from sustainable European forests, the lacing toy is finished with a natural beeswax and linseed concoction. We also like the cheeky Swiss cheese lacing toy from this same shop.

MrWhale’s 9 piece heirloom-quality lacing set includes circles, squares, and triangles. Each shape comes in three different sizes so kids can learn about comparing “bigger” and “smaller” while mastering their lacing handiwork. The beautiful maple, mahogany, and walnut woods (recycled from extra cabinet scraps) are finished with a food-grade beeswax and mineral oil combo.

MammaMayl’s lacing beads are the perfect toy for those mini crafters-to-be and those who are always asking to wear jewelry “just like Mama.” Now they can design their own (and work on their fine motor skills at the same time). Each set comes with approximately 35 beads in an assortment of shapes and colors. All are brightly painted with a nontoxic wash and finished with organic beeswax and jojoba oil.

Smiling Tree Toys‘ customized lacing and tracing set is actually made up of several toys for extended fun and learning. Each customized set includes a round lacing base piece that also serves as a clockface for helping kids tell time as well as six shapes, each with two holes for lacing. Each shape is inscribed with the shape’s name, enforcing reading or pre-reading skills. And the whole set is eco-friendly to boot: the wooden pieces all come from sustainably sourced American hardwood and are coated with an organic camelina and beeswax finish, and the lacing string that comes with the set is a shoelace made with 100% recycled soda pop bottles and non-toxic dyes.

Kids can learn yet another useful skill from lacing toys: tying their shoes! The vast majority of Mauka Woodwerks‘ wood comes from the scrap pile of a local cabinet shop (the rest is FSC-certified) and the family-owned business uses only non-toxic, water-based paints and finishes. Their popular “Tie My Shoe” toy makes it easy for little ones to learn and practice this important skill on a simple, flat, shoe-shaped surface.

Even if your family is spending most of their time indoors this time of year, you can still be inspired by nature with Wilderness Serenity’s wooden sewing set, made with wood salvaged from fallen trees. The set includes 12 smaller circular wooden pieces, 1 large lacing piece, a wooden needle, and cotton thread, and all pieces are finished with a natural beeswax conditioner. We love this set’s simple and natural look… as well as the fact that it appears sturdy enough for a few of those less-than-gentle toddlers we know.